POSITIVE MEETING IN YARRAM: CHESTER
March 31, 2009
The need to attract new investment in Yarram and build on existing infrastructure were among the key topics discussed with The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester during a meeting this week with the Alberton and District Ratepayers Association.
Mr Chester described the meeting as ‘productive and informative’ and said he was looking forward to working with the group on the broad range of topics that were presented for discussion.
“The bottom line for the Yarram district is we need to attract a fair share of government funding for a range of projects that will help to create a better environment for the business sector to support jobs and invest in the future of the region,” Mr Chester said.
“Initiatives such as securing the future of the Murray Goulburn site and the old butter factory; providing natural gas reticulation; and the proposed child care centre are all about improving services and opportunities for future jobs and sustainable growth.
“There needs to be a greater commitment from the State and Federal Governments to support small regional centres like Yarram that have been adversely affected by a range of issues in recent years.
“Investing in the future of regional communities is a vital issue that I have been supporting with Gippsland South MLA Peter Ryan and my colleagues in Canberra.”
Among the specific issues discussed at the meeting with the Alberton ratepayers was the group’s concern over the lack of funding for Hyland Way upgrades.
“I share the community’s concerns that there appears to be a ‘wait and see’ approach to the upgrade of this vital link,” Mr Chester said.
“We shouldn’t have to wait for a major disaster on the road before the government invests in improved road safety. The lack of overtaking lanes is a critical concern and I will be working with Peter Ryan and the community to seek funding for immediate upgrades to improve the safety of Hyland Way.”